BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OUR PLEDGE

THE HUSTLE INFLUENCE AND MOTIVATION TEAM IS DEEPLY COMMITTED TO EMPOWERING FORMER FELONS TO RECLAIM THEIR LEGACY BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL, REGARDLESS OF THEIR PAST, HOLDS THE POTENTIAL FOR TRANSFORMATION AND GREATNESS. THEY UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEMIC BARRIERS AND PERSONAL CHALLENGES THAT RETURNING CITIZENS FACE, AND THEY ARE DRIVEN BY THE BELIEF THAT WITH THE RIGHT MINDSET, GUIDANCE, AND SUPPORT, ANYONE CAN REWRITE THEIR STORY. BY INSTILLING DISCIPLINE THROUGH HUSTLE, INSPIRING CHANGE THROUGH INFLUENCE, AND FUELING PROGRESS THROUGH MOTIVATION, THE TEAM HELPS INDIVIDUALS BREAK FREE FROM THE CYCLE OF INCARCERATION AND STEP INTO A FUTURE DEFINED BY PURPOSE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PERSONAL POWER. THEIR MISSION IS TO NOT JUST SUPPORT REINTEGRATION, BUT TO SPARK A MOVEMENT OF LEGACY BUILDERS WHO TURN THEIR PAIN INTO PURPOSE AND THEIR PAST INTO A PLATFORM FOR IMPACT.

FOUNDER/CEO

DR. WAYNE THOMAS, CPIC

On March 12, 1997, Wayne was charged as an adult for aggravated robbery in Arapahoe County. He was sentenced to five years in the Youthful Offender System. Despite this challenging start, Wayne used his time to reflect and rebuild. Upon his release in 2001, he pursued higher education with determination.

Wayne earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Performance and Sport with an emphasis in Athletic Training from Metropolitan State College of Denver. He continued his academic journey by obtaining a Master of Arts in Kinesiology, specializing in Athletic Training, from Fresno Pacific University. Driven by his hunger for knowledge and growth, Wayne set his sights on a doctorate. In spring 2014, he achieved his most prestigious academic milestone: a Doctorate in Health Sciences (D.H.Sc.) with a focus on Leadership and Organizational Behavior from A.T. Still University. In 2017, Wayne was granted a pardon, marking a pivotal moment in his life. Post-pardon, he established a successful career in healthcare, taking on various leadership roles. Most recently, he added a coaching certificate to his accomplishments, further diversifying his skill set.

VICE PRESIDENT/FACILITY MANAGER

DARCY LEVY

Darcey Levy is a dedicated entrepreneur, former professional athlete, and passionate advocate for personal growth and second chances. Invited by founder Dr. Wayne Thomas to join Hustle Influence and Motivate (H.I.M.) as a partner and board member, Darcey brings years of business experience, leadership, and lived wisdom to the organization’s mission of empowering individuals through structure, accountability, and purpose.

As the owner of a successful glass and window company and an active investor in real estate and cryptocurrency, Darcey is driven by a vision of financial independence, family legacy, and community upliftment. His focus on helping people—especially those rebuilding their lives after hardship—reflects a deep belief in transformation through mindset, discipline, and opportunity.

At H.I.M., Darcey plays a key role in shaping strategy, supporting programming, and building relationships that expand the organization’s impact

STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLANNING

DAMION WRIGHT

Damion is a high functioning global leader that has over two decades of leadership experience. He led in dynamic multi-channel Sales, Operations, Learning and Development, Talent Acquisition (HR), and most recently Diversity and Inclusion in his career, which has given him a range of experiences and disciplines to lean into. In those roles, Damion has had the opportunity to build and scale multiple initiatives, programs, and organizations such as Verizon, the Zillow Group, and Intuit. He also consults on two non-profit boards to drive awareness in their respective spaces.

Damion has his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Business Administration from Weber State University. In addition, he holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Performance and Change from Colorado State University. Fun fact: Damion is a previous college athlete at Weber State University who played in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks and in NFL Europe with the Amsterdam Admirals.

The way I will express my purpose with my world is through authenticity, integrity, a growth mindset, being a servant leader that values teamwork through genuine and candid relationships. The impact of this will be bold and strong relationships that uplift each of us as well as our surrounding community.

TREASURE/HOUSING

LU GRAHAM

Luanna Graham is a seasoned mortgage professional with over 29 years of experience in the financial industry. She is recognized as one of the few Black women mortgage loan branch managers in Colorado, having overseen financial information for numerous buyers and helping them navigate the complex world of home financing. Currently, she serves as a loan officer at Supreme Lending , LLC, in Colorado, where she specializes in various loan types, including Conventional, Stand Alone Second, FHA, VA, Reverse and Commercial loans for properties in Denver and surrounding areas.
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In addition to her financial career, Luanna has a background in the arts. She appeared in the 2012 film In Over My Head, portraying the character Wanda. IMDb +3
Luanna Graham's diverse professional journey reflects a commitment to both financial empowerment and creative expression.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

CHRIS GREEN

Chris “Da Future” Green, a former professional heavyweight boxer from Aurora, CO, was once a rising star in the “Glamour Division” of boxing. Standing 6’6” and weighing 240 pounds, his intimidating presence and undeniable skill quickly propelled him from regional recognition to national prominence.

Originally from Louisiana, Chris moved to Denver, where his athletic talent shined. As a standout in football, track, and basketball at John F. Kennedy High School, he earned a full basketball scholarship to Western State College. However, lacking preparation for college life, Chris left school and found himself entangled in the streets of Denver.

Struggles with gangs, drugs, and repeated incarcerations, including a three-year prison sentence for drug trafficking, tested Chris's resilience. His challenges were further compounded by a life-altering experience—surviving being shot five times while his boxing career was gaining momentum. The setback was severe, both physically and mentally, but it became a turning point.

Determined to transform his life, Chris pursued education, graduating with honors in automotive mechanics from Lincoln Technical College. Today, he is a respected mentor and speaker, using his story to inspire youth to avoid the pitfalls he once faced. Chris's journey from adversity to achievement is a testament to perseverance, personal growth, and the power of second chances.